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Budget cuts threaten programs for deaf - MassLive.com
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the primary agency in the state providing an umbrella of services for all ages of people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Its goal is to advocate for issues facing the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and provide resources and services.
The commission's services cover four different areas, with the first being Communication Access, Training and Technology Services where the public can gain access to communication tools concerning the deaf and hard-of-hearing population.
The Interpreter and CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) Referral Services section handles requests for interpreters and CART reporters.
It also conducts training sessions and sets standards for interpreter qualifications in the state.
The Case Management Services section works with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals from early childhood to adulthood, providing any assistance that may be needed in their daily lives.
The last area is the Independent Living Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing that works to help individuals be independent in their own communities and achieve their life goals.
The commission is once again facing another round of cuts from its budget of $5.3 million. The budget proposed for the next fiscal year is $4.8 million.
The end result will be fewer interpreters, caseworkers and resources for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In the views of some advocates, the budget cuts are a reduction in the civil rights of disabled individuals that bring about obstacles to living independently and participating in their own communities.
The Stavros Center for Independent Living is also affected by the cuts. Its deaf services program provides services throughout Western Massachusetts, helping many deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
It offers resources and referrals to clients as well as skills training that can be used in everyday life.
Stavros also operates the local telephone equipment distribution program to provide adaptive equipment for using the phone.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the primary agency in the state providing an umbrella of services for all ages of people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Its goal is to advocate for issues facing the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and provide resources and services.
The commission's services cover four different areas, with the first being Communication Access, Training and Technology Services where the public can gain access to communication tools concerning the deaf and hard-of-hearing population.
The Interpreter and CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) Referral Services section handles requests for interpreters and CART reporters.
It also conducts training sessions and sets standards for interpreter qualifications in the state.
The Case Management Services section works with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals from early childhood to adulthood, providing any assistance that may be needed in their daily lives.
The last area is the Independent Living Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing that works to help individuals be independent in their own communities and achieve their life goals.
The commission is once again facing another round of cuts from its budget of $5.3 million. The budget proposed for the next fiscal year is $4.8 million.
The end result will be fewer interpreters, caseworkers and resources for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In the views of some advocates, the budget cuts are a reduction in the civil rights of disabled individuals that bring about obstacles to living independently and participating in their own communities.
The Stavros Center for Independent Living is also affected by the cuts. Its deaf services program provides services throughout Western Massachusetts, helping many deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
It offers resources and referrals to clients as well as skills training that can be used in everyday life.
Stavros also operates the local telephone equipment distribution program to provide adaptive equipment for using the phone.